Thinking about being a psychiatrist

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  1. conle's Avatar
    • New Member
    • Posts: 6
    Thinking about being a psychiatrist
    Hello

    I am currently doing a Maths and Physics degree. I've just finished my first year so have started thinking about careers. Ive thought about possibly working in criminally insane institutions as a psychiatrist. I am hopeless at long essays so am not planning on moving over to psychology so i can specialise etc.

    My reasons to go into this field may seem random, however i've always been very unsure about what I want to do after university. My decision to do Maths and Physics was based on my ability with numbers and the (hopefully) large scope of job oppurtunity that will come with the job.

    What are the prospects for someone who comes out with a bachelors of science to go into this field?

    Thankyou

    P.s Dont really know where to put this thread
  2. ~ Purple Rose ~'s Avatar
    • PS Helper
    • TSR Legend
    • Location: Yorkshire
    • Posts: 12,788
    Re: Thinking about being a psychiatrist
    A psychiatrist is a doctor who has completed additional training in psychiatry.

    A Forensic Psychologist is a psychologist who works with offenders, and you will need an accredited psychology degree and then do further study at masters level.

    Do some research online, start with www.bps.org.uk, to look into which career you are actually thinking of.
  3. parentlurker's Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Posts: 209
    Re: Thinking about being a psychiatrist
    first you'd need to train as a doctor. Check out graduate entry to medical school but it's very competitive. Most prefer a degree in biological science and most require you to have Chemistry A level. Although some will consider a 2.1 most will expect a first. They will also expect you to show evidence of real comitment - demonstarted by shadowing doctors or long term volunteering in a caring capacity. Funding probably won't be available for a second degree.

    You could switch to Psychology with the aim of becoming a Psychologist but that is a very competitive degree course. They like maths A level.

    Medicine involves long hours, disrupted social life, large debts before you qualify - if you are considering it you need work experience to make sure it's something you have to do. With a Maths and Physics degree you could earn more elsewhere and not be expected to work Christmas! Be very sure it's what you want.
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